Don’t wait four years to try this citrusy gin martini Leap Year Cocktail. Any cocktail responsible for ‘more marriage proposals than any other cocktail‘ has to be tried at least once!
Once every four years Leap Year pops up with little fanfare for the rare February 29th.
There are several traditions, superstitions and beliefs about this extra day.
AND it turns out, a celebratory Leap Year cocktail!
This boozy gin sipper can be enjoyed anytime AND is supposedly responsible for numerous marriage proposals!
I am always interested in food customs surrounding holidays of all kinds.
Leap Year is not technically a holiday but frankly anything that only happens every four years must have some honorary 'cousin of a holiday' status at a minimum.
How did the Leap Year Tradition start?
The origins of Leap Year date back to ancient Egypt when it was discovered the solar and man made calendars did not line up.
The Romans instituted February 29 as a leap day.
Though that was fine tuned in the 16th century with the Gregorian calendar to be more formulaic establishing it every 4 years.
Why is it Called ‘Leap Year’?
The reason it is called Leap Year has to do historically with English law not recognizing it as a legal day for business.
Therefore it is 'leapt over' with business transactions to occur on February 28 or March 1.
Leap Year Food and Drink
My first point of interest is always what the food customs are of a holiday.
In all my research I found there are definitely some social customs but really no special food for Leap Year.
There is however a special cocktail shared below.
Social Customs & Superstitions
In the British Isles it is like a matrimonial Sadie Hawkins day where women are 'allowed' to ask men to marry them.
Scotland
In Scotland, Queen Margaret instituted a fine for any man declining such a proposal by a woman.
A kiss, pair of gloves or a silk dress (I also read there may have been a large 'punishment').
I read something bleak about how it was a coveted day for women concerned they'd be 'left on the shelf'; ug.
In Scotland it’s also considered bad luck for a child to be born on February 29.
Apparently they feel the same about Leap Year and livestock.
The Scottish proverb “Leap year was ne’er a good sheep year” says it all.
Greece
Supposedly in Greece it is seen to be bad luck to have a wedding in a Leap Year.
Italy
In Italy Leap Year superstition cautions not planning special activities or weddings.
With proverbs stating leap year is a ‘doom year’ (translated) claiming in the leap year women are ‘erratic’.
February 19th Birthday Club
If you were fortunate to be born on February 29th you’ll want to join the Honor Society of Leap Year Babies.
Leap baby Raenell Dawn started a birthday club that now has over 11,000 online members.
You’ll find loads of information and activities on the website along with Raenell’s chronicling of her Leap Birthdays.
Leap Year Cocktail
Despite not uncovering any food customs, I did find a cocktail.
It originates back to Harry Craddock who was the bartender at the famous Savoy Hotel in London.
He is said to have developed this cocktail for a Leap Year celebration in 1928.
“It is said to have been responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail that has ever been mixed” – The Savoy Cocktail Book
Gin Martini Cocktail ingredients
- Gin
- Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
- Sweet Vermouth
- Lemon Juice
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
The flavor of fresh lemon juice IS different than bottled lemon juice.
It’s worth a few minutes to squeeze half a lemon for the ‘dash’ needed.
I use a hand held lemon juicer typically though for the amount needed hand squeezing will work too.
Perfect Cocktail Garnish: Lemon Spirals
The original cocktail recipe calls for a squeeze of lemon peel on top of the cocktail.
My favorite cocktail garnish, both for looks and for that squeeze are Lemon Spirals.
They are easy to make, always pack a visual punch and are perfect to squeeze.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
- Pomegranate Martinis
- Manhattan cocktail
- Colorado Bulldog cocktail
- Peruvian Pisco Sour Recipe
- Moscato Sangria
- Glogg – Scandanavian Mulled Wine
Try these Holiday Recipes too!
- Chocolate Truffles with Irish Cream Filling
- Fully Loaded Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Fast & Easy Popcorn Balls for Halloween
- Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes for Easter
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Recipe
Leap Year cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Gin
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier
- ½ ounce Sweet Vermouth
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Garnish: Lemon spiral
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake, and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.
Notes
Nutrition
This citrusy Gin Martini is perfect to celebrate February 29th or any other day!
Originally published: February 29, 2012
Eliotseats says
I remember being in elementary school and all the high school kids dressing up like hillbillies on Sadie Hawkins Day. (I think there was a dance, too.) By the time I got to HS, they had discontinued this. I had no idea the tradition dated back to England. Nice cocktail! (Aren't ya' glad we are beyond all this?)
Boulder Locavore says
I'm sorry if I mislead you; Sadie Hawkins is an American tradition. My reference to the practice of allowing women to propose to men on February 29 as 'Sadie Hawkins-esque' was giving a nod to the girls-ask-boys aspect. I too remember Sadie Hawkins dances. I think now life is not so 'only boys do the asking'.
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
I love learning about different origins too surrounding holidays – it is always so interesting to learn what other cultures believe and customs they follow. Thank god London decided to celebrate with this cocktail though because it sounds delicious!
Boulder Locavore says
Things must have been pretty winging in 1928 too for this cocktail to have been dreamed up! I also read Harry Craddock said this cocktail was probably responsible for more proposals than any other!
Kiri W. says
What an interesting overview of beliefs! I had no idea at all.
The cocktail looks fabulous, I love juniper 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
So fun what one can find out about a 'holiday' isn't it? Who knew the roots were that old on this day.
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
Wow! I will keep this beautiful cocktail as a Leap year tradition! Looks fantastic!
Boulder Locavore says
I think it's pretty good any day of the year Stefanie; whether the year has 365 or 366 days!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I knew about the Sadie Hawkins but thanks for the rest of the great info. I'm certainly in favor of any holiday with its own cocktail and yes, martinis are to be sipped slowly in a civilized manner 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
'Agreed' Anita on the martini approach!
spiceblogger says
This cocktail looks great! I like your description of how to carefully approach it…. hehehehe :)))
I host a “Happy Hour Friday” linkup on my blog on Fridays. Would love to have you join.
Happy Leap Day!
–shelley
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Shelley for the comment and invitation. Happy Leap Day to you too!
thedustybaker.com says
If only I needed a kiss, a pair of gloves or a silk dress…
You know, I've never been a huge fan of gin. In fact, I've hated it. But I recently had a stellar cocktail with gin that actually blew my mind, so it may be time to give it another go? I can imagine that the citrus in this would balance out the juniper a tad, right?
Boulder Locavore says
Well not all gins are created equal. As with anything you need to have a gin with flavor you like. I do like gin but l-o-v-e the local gin by Rob's Mountain Gin. The special edition batch I used was created as a fundraiser for our local community garden project. All the ingedients are from within 15 miles. I also had the opportunity to go pick juniper berries for it too! The citrus does brighten this up, you are right (it still packs a whollop!)
Cooking with Michele says
If I still drank gin I'd be whipping this up tonight! Happy Leap Day!
Boulder Locavore says
Thanks Michele and Happy Leap Day to you too!
parttimehousewife.com says
sounds so refreshing!
Boulder Locavore says
That is a great descriptor for it. It's very good but as with any martini type drink one has to stay on their toes!
ping says
Whoo … this sounds like it packs a pretty powerful punch! The haze will probably last me til the next leap year 🙂
I don't see it as bad luck to be born on this day … you'll always be much younger than your peers and for me, it's a good thing 🙂
Happy Leap Day to you!
Boulder Locavore says
Ping I love how you think. A bit like human years to dog years. I think from now on if I'm asked my age I'll counter with 'in human or leap years?'. The drink it very flavorful….and serious business if you know what I mean. Happy Leap Day to you!